A swan has died after being shot twice with a crossbow in Norfolk, just weeks after a goose was found nearby with a bolt in its back.
The disturbing attacks happened just two miles from each other and the RSPCA fears they could be linked.
Inspector Justin Stubbs said the swan, which was found swimming in a river in Upwell earlier this month, had one bolt in its shoulder and another deeply embedded in its rear.
He said: “I hadn't even seen the second bolt until the swan was examined by vets at the hospital. It was deeply embedded in the flesh and covered by tail feathers.
“Presumably someone must have shot this beautiful bird with this cruel weapon, and then calmly reloaded and shot him a second time.
“This is the most recent in what feels like a sustained attack on the wildlife in this area and I am very anxious to put a stop to it.”
